Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-04-14

OF shooting and being shot AT, but
never yet stood up in cold blood to ex
change shots with man. | don't like
it,
So many years had elapsed since Con
ways military experience that the
prospect Of fight no longer stirred his
blood. He was not an old man, but
the fiery ardor of youth was thing of
the past. After years Of adventurous
speculation in the mining regions of the
West fortune had favored him, and for
the first time IN his life be was realiZ.
ing one of the dreams Of his youth "a
visit to Paris.
Unfortunatly he had been drawn in
to political controversy in cafe with
member of the Mexican legation
S3nor Gomez, a gentleman whose great
wealth and beautiful wife were at that
time the talk of Paris. In the heat Of
the discussion Conway had given NOR
tal offense to the Mexican. The result
was "A challenge. and the American ac-
cepted, selecting pistols, and fixing the
hour at five O'Clock that afternoon, the
place chosen being suburban forest no.
torious for its affairs of honor.
While the American was wondering
whether he had sufficient appetite for
breakfast, there was a tap at his door.
Opening it he saw to his surprise Senor
Gomez, who advanced into the room
with grave countenance in which
various emotions were struggling for
expression.
John Conway inYoluutarily fell back
IN amazement at beholding this unex-
pected visitor.
'Senor Conway said Gomez, this
visit under the circumstances is un-
heard Of 1t is irregular, but you A
mericans are always prepared for the
unexpected. | am here senior, to apol-
ogize for my conduct, and TO withdraw
my challenge. I deeply regret my often
sive language, and hasten to retract it.
1t is my purpose to inform the gentle
man, who knows something of the affair
between us, that We have noquarrel, and
that regard you as one of the bravest
and noblest of men,
Conway looked into the MexIcan's
eyes, and saw sincerity there.
'Senor Gomez he said, Il am at a
loss to understand all this
Listen y exclaimed the other, impa.
tiently. Last night at the opera my
wife saw face that recalled the great
est peril of her life. She studied it.
through her glass and became convin-
ced that she was right. When she met
me at our hotel, after my return from
the cafe where we had our unfortunate
difference. she told me all, and begged
me TO search out her preseryer. So,
Corporal John, l thank you in the name
OF my wife,
Then seeing that the American was
more mystified ,han ever, Gomez con-
tinued
Have you forgotten your capture of
a young Mexican in Sonora when you
were with B zaine ? Instead Of obey
ing orders and executing the prisoner,
her sex and her wrongs excited your
sympathy and you released her,
1T all comes back to me- said Con
way, excitedly. Yes it is impossible
for me to forget it. And the Senorita
made good her escape and is now your
wife You are to be congratulated,
senior, upon securing such heroine
The two were now unconsciously
clasping hands.
You see that we can not fight, ,
laughed Gomez, with tear in his eye.
Ridiculous, said Conway.
VERY WE'LL remarked the other, Il
GdhC III lOI II dDIeu may Coli IuC oOho' q
that you will spend the evening with
US. You can not refuse.
Corporal John did not refuse, but
when the brilliant Mexican beauty
overwhelmed him that evening with
her thanks he grew very thoughtful.
When his visit was over and he was on
his way homeward the American sew
eral times broke out with
'Confound it all, when she was my
prisoner, why the duce didn't l keep
her p
And yet Corporal John was not alto
gether unhappy.